If you’ve ever spoken Japanese, you’ve definitely heard 大丈夫だいじょうぶ. It’s one of the most common words in daily conversation, yet one of the most confusing for learners. That’s because 大丈夫だいじょうぶ doesn’t have just one meaning — it changes depending on the situation.

Rather than translating it directly, it’s better to understand how it’s used.

1. 大丈夫だいじょうぶ = I’m OK / I’m fine

This is used when talking about your physical or mental condition.

Examples:

• 転ころんだけど、大丈夫だいじょうぶです。
  (I fell, but I’m okay.)
• 心配しんぱいしないで。もう大丈夫だいじょうぶ。
  (Don’t worry. I’m fine now.)

2. 大丈夫だいじょうぶ = It’s okay / No problem

Used to say something is acceptable or allowed.

Examples:

• 予約よやくなしでも大丈夫だいじょうぶですか？
  (Is it okay without a reservation?)
• このタスクをお願ねがいします。今日中きょうじゅうじゃなくても大丈夫だいじょうぶです。
  (Please do this task. It doesn’t have to be done today.)

3. 大丈夫だいじょうぶですか？ = Are you okay?

Used to show concern or check if someone needs help.

Examples:

• 顔色かおいろが悪わるいけど、大丈夫だいじょうぶですか？
  (You don’t look well—are you okay?)
• 重おもそうですね。大丈夫だいじょうぶですか？
  (That looks heavy—are you alright?)

4. 大丈夫だいじょうぶ = No, thank you

When responding to an offer, 大丈夫だいじょうぶです often means you don’t need it.

Examples:

• 手伝てつだいましょうか？
  → 大丈夫だいじょうぶです。
  (Shall I help you? — No, thank you.)
• 袋ふくろはいりますか？
  → 大丈夫だいじょうぶです。
  (Do you need a bag? — No, I’m good.)

5. 大丈夫だいじょうぶ？ = Are you sure? / Will it be okay?

Used to express doubt or concern.

Examples:

• そんな薄着うすぎで大丈夫だいじょうぶ？
  (Will you be okay dressed that lightly?)
• こんな雪ゆきの中なかで運転うんてんして大丈夫だいじょうぶ？
  (Will it really be okay to drive in snow like this?)

6. 大丈夫だいじょうぶ = Safe / Reliable

In some situations, 大丈夫だいじょうぶ means something is trustworthy or safe.

Examples:

• 彼かれが一緒いっしょなら大丈夫だいじょうぶ。
  (It’ll be okay if he’s with you.)
• そのサイトは大丈夫だいじょうぶだと思おもう。
  (I think that website is safe.)

Conclusion

大丈夫だいじょうぶ is a word that depends entirely on context.
Instead of looking for one translation, focus on the situation and tone.
Once you do, you’ll find 大丈夫だいじょうぶ is one of the most useful and natural words in Japanese!

If you want to learn Japanese, improve your skills, or connect with native speakers and other learners, we can help. We offer one-on-one lessons, a supportive community, and on demand courses.

Website: nihongonana.com
Email: support@nihongonana.com

✅Book 1-on-1 lessons: https://nihongonana.com/lessons/
✅Join our Speaking Club: https://nihongonana.com/community/
✅Join our Course Waitlist: https://nihongonana.com/courses/